The Latest on Hurricane Matthew – Saturday Edition

Last updated on 10/8/16 at 12:36 pm.

Tip – consider taking screenshots of important information so you can access to it if you lose power.

Although I will do my best to pass along relevant and accurate information, be sure to follow local/national media and local government too. They are professionals and will have the best possible information.

WARNINGS/WATCHES

• If you did not evacuate, you should shelter in place
• Hurricane Warning remains in effect until Matthew is gone
• Flood Warning until 4:30 pm: Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, and Colleton Counties
• Charleston County has deemed bridges not safe for travel due to high winds
  • At the direction of the SCDOT, the Mount Pleasant and Charleston Police Departments have closed the Ravenel Bridge
    • There is no estimated re-opening time
• At this time, many emergency response teams (fire, police, etc.) have suspended their services due to the current conditions.
• There is no access to Folly Beach. Residents won’t be allowed back until tomorrow morning (at the earliest).
• There is also no access to Kiawah or Seabrook Islands

THE LATEST INFORMATION

• The most up-to-date storm tracker from the National Hurricane Center can be found here.
  • Matthew is currently a Category 1 Hurricane
    • It made landfall southeast of McClellanville in Charleston County just after 11 am
    • Winds and flooding will be the biggest concerns over the next few hours
    • Wind: Gusts of 80-100 MPH are possible for beaches and downtown Charleston through 10 am
    • Expected rainfall: 8-14″
      • SCDNR: 6-12 inches of rain has  fallen
    • Possible Storm Surge: 4-8′ above ground
      • SCEMD: “Life threatening storm surge (over 8 feet) expected on SC coast.”
    • SCDNR: Wind should fall below tropical storm strength by 1 pmat Beaufort, 6 PM at Charleston
      • Rains should taper off and cease by midnight.
• Click here for open Shelter locations and addresses.
• Click here for updates from South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
  • Get critical info from SCEMD via Twitter alerts – click here for more details
• Click here for updates from Charleston County Government.
• Tune to the following radio stations for messages from the Emergency Alert System:
  • WIWF- Nash FM 96.9
  • WEZL – 103.5
  • WSCI – 89.3
  • WXST- Star 99.7
  • WAVF- Chuck 101.7
  • WMXF- Mix 95.9
  • WCKN- Kickin’ 92.5

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

• Call 9-1-1 for real emergencies only
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division: 1-866-246-0133
• S.C. Department of Transportation: 1-888-877-9151
• Charleston City Police Non-Emergency Line: 843-577-7434
• Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline: 843-746-3900
• Charleston County Emergency Management Department: 843-746-3800
• Charleston County Special Medical Needs: 843-953-0077
• Charleston Water System: 843-727-6800
• Berkeley County Emergency Preparedness Department: 843-719-4800, 843-719-4166, or 843-719-4047
• Berkeley County Water and Sanitation: 843-572-4400
• Dorchester County Citizen’s Information Hotline: 843-832-0393
• Dorchester County Emergency Services Department: 843-832-0341
• Dorchester County Water and Sewer Department: 843-832-0075 or 843-563-0075
• Mt. Pleasant Non-Emergency Police Line: 843-743-7200
• Santee Cooper (to report a power outage): 1-888-769-7688
• SCE&G (for power outages and downed/damaged power lines): 1-888-333-4465
  • Click here for an outage map
• SCE&G (for gas leaks): 1-800-815-0083

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

SHELTERS

• Click here for Open Shelter locations and addresses
• Items to bring if you are relocating to a shelter:
  • Prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items.
  • It’s also important not to forget special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs

BRIDGES

• Charleston County has deemed bridges not safe for travel due to high winds.

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